Earlier this month, state court officials launched a new guardianship program in five counties across Washington, including Pierce.

Low-income people deemed “incapacitated” by a judge can get services through the program, including help with their finances and assistance finding adequate housing, according to a news release issued last week by the Administrative Office of the Courts, which will oversee the program.

Only people referred through the courts qualify for the program.

Someone is considered legally incapacitated if he or she is unable to exercise his or her rights or provide for his or her basic needs without the help of a guardian.

A guardian is a surrogate decision maker for such a person and has court-ordered authority to act on that person’s behalf.

A state task force that studied the issue last year found that about 4,500 people in Washington need such help because they have no family members able or willing to help them or can’t afford to hire a professional guardian to assist them in their daily lives.

The Legislature appropriated more than $1.4 million to launch the public guardianship program this year.

Loralee McDonell-Williams has been appointed as guardian for those who qualify for help in Pierce County.

A county native, McDonell-Williams is a paralegal by profession and has worked as a private guardian for a number of years.

“Basically, I’m able to help people manage their funds, pay their bills, get them into a healthy living environment,” McDonnel-Williams said last week.

Clallam, Grays Harbor, Okanogan and Spokane counties also are opening pilot programs this year.

Adam Lynn: 253-597-8644

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